Celebrating the Class of 2025: Stories of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration
As commencement approaches, we’re celebrating the remarkable members of the Tepper School Class of 2025, whose achievements, resilience, and ambition have defined their time at Carnegie Mellon University.
From case competition wins to startup success, these soon-to-be graduates are already making their mark across disciplines and industries. In this spotlight, we feature a selection of students from both our undergraduate and master’s programs, whose stories reflect the spirit and strength of this graduating class.
This season of achievement extends across the academic spectrum. Several of our Ph.D. candidates were also recently recognized with prestigious awards for their research and contributions to their fields. You can read more about their accomplishments here.
Meet the Class of 2025
Justin Matlock
“Throughout my time at the Tepper School, I encountered a number of opportunities to collaborate in groups. I discovered that sharing my genuine ideas and concerns—always thoughtfully—consistently strengthened our group dynamic. Looking back, I realize that much of the value and personal growth I gained as a student stemmed directly from my willingness to be authentic.”
Caroline Campbell
“I am very proud to have been elected by my peers to serve as the President of the Tepper Consulting Club. I learned so much about peer leadership, grew in my emotional intelligence, and had a lot of fun working with my fellow board members throughout the year.”
Ruben Antonio Quesada
“I am most proud of becoming a James R. Swartz Fellow at Carnegie Mellon. I distinctly remember arriving on campus and meeting the faculty at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship. Their support was instrumental in helping me build Sabana, recruit a co-founder, and secure funding through Techstars.”
Maressa Guyun
“I chose the Tepper School because it allowed me to make family my top priority after leaving the military. This holistic experience has been invaluable in easing my transition into post-military life and ensuring that my loved ones remain at the heart of my journey.”
Vinicius Santos Avelar
“While the Tepper School’s strong focus on cutting-edge problem-solving and data-driven decision-making initially attracted me, what truly set it apart was its culture of collaboration and humanity—something that deeply resonated with me.”
Ben Cronin
“I chose the Tepper School because it felt like home. It not only provides a welcoming culture to everyone but, also, looks to bring out the best in each student. In addition, the technical skills and network I have gained would not have been possible anywhere else.”
James Evans
“Growing up in the Florida lowcountry, I learned a lot of life's lessons right in my backyard… I'm privileged by the boundless opportunities found in that half-acre, but this journey to the Tepper School has taught me that your backyard isn't defined by property lines. It's grown by your openness to new experiences. Each place primed for cultivating new life lessons and lasting relationships.”
Olivia Haberberger
“I am particularly proud of my involvement with the Graduate Student Assembly during my time here. It's enabled me to make connections with people from all over CMU, from Robotics to Chemistry to Materials Engineering to Public Policy to Design and more! I think my proudest moment within GSA was being elected to serve as the Vice President of Campus Affairs for this past academic year.”
Meher Sujay Kaky
“I think winning the Venture Capital Investment Competition world championship was the coolest achievement for me during my time at the Tepper School. The competition required me to use all of the skills I learned at the Tepper School, and at the end of the day, we were able to beat thousands of students from around the world to win the championship!”
Raka Mazumder
“At Carnegie Mellon and the Tepper School, I found that the most meaningful growth didn’t happen in isolation but through connection. From group projects in classes, to late-night prep for case competitions, and from faculty mentorship to collaborating with local nonprofits, my college experience has been defined by the people I’ve learned with and from.”
Kaitlyn Chow
“While most of my goals have changed through college, creating a startup was one of the few that stayed. I never would have thought I’d actually get to do my startup post-grad. I’m able to do so because of the support at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, and I’m so grateful for them.”
Cydney Haynes
“A degree from the Tepper School isn’t easy—and that’s the point. You’re going to be challenged in the best way. It’s not just about academics; it’s about how you take the tools the Tepper School gives you and turn them into something meaningful. Be ready to lean into the opportunities that push you. If you're ready to forge your own path, this is the place for you.”
Angelica Sarahi Gonzalez
“Leadership at CMU has taught me how to lead with both conviction and compassion. I’ve learned how to navigate uncertainty, make decisions that impact hundreds of people, and hold space for others to grow. It’s pushed me to be decisive, adaptable, and deeply empathetic. But most of all, it’s taught me that the most meaningful leadership doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from showing up, listening, and building something that lasts.”
